The medical accidents handbook - Liz Thomas

• If the victim of a medical accident comes to you seeking advice, would you know where to begin? What advice to offer? Or how to identify the defendant(s) in the complex internal market of the NHS?
• On occasions even the most highly skilled doctors can make mistakes. What are your rights as a patient?
• If you are the victim of an "adverse event", which of the options available is most appropriate for you? Should you make a complaint or disciplinary enquiry? Or should you begin civil or even criminal proceedings?
• What happens if you decide to being legal proceedings? How do you involve a solicitor in your claim? How do you fund a claim? And what can you expect as your case proceeds from preliminary investigation to trial?

In recent years AVMA (Action for Victims of Medical Accidents) has been instrumental in raising the awareness of the public to their rights in cases of medical accidents. As a result, this period has seen an explosion of legal interest in the field of medical negligence claims. However, this is the first book to deal with the many complex issues involved in a practical yet comprehensive manner. The Medical Accidents Handbook is divided into three sections:

• an overview of the structure of the NHS, private health care and patient rights;
• the complaints procedure, and alternatives to litigation;
• a detailed section on medical negligence and legal action, which provides an introduction to both medical negligence and the law, and the English legal system, before analysing each stage of a claim from discovery to quantum.

Designed for quick and easy reference this is an ideal guide for a wide audience ranging from non–specialist practitioners and their clients, through health service managers and trust executives, to students of medical negligence, CABs and other advisory services.